New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) issued a statement reaffirming its policy of allowing only one attendant per patient after a video featuring Rahul Gandhi interacting with patients outside the facility sparked widespread discussion on social media.
AIIMS Statement Highlights:
- The viral video, reportedly shot in the subway outside AIIMS Delhi, showcased patients and their families discussing challenges faced during treatment. However, AIIMS clarified that the video does not confirm whether all the patients shown are admitted to the institute.
- The hospital stated that the “one attendant per patient” rule ensures smoother operations and better management of hospital resources.
Support Measures for Patients and Attendants:
- Temporary Accommodation:
- AIIMS has four Vishram Sadans with a total capacity of 1,500 beds (559 on the main campus). These provide temporary stays for patient attendants based on availability.
- A separate temporary shelter, ‘Aashrey’, offers night accommodations for patients awaiting registration. This initiative, introduced in December 2024, provides food, bedding, and separate facilities for men and women.
- Humanitarian Efforts:
- Patients staying outside AIIMS on footpaths are relocated to shelters at night and prioritized for registration the next morning. This measure addresses the extreme cold in Delhi during winter.
Future Plans:
AIIMS announced the construction of a new Vishram Sadan at Ansari Nagar West with a capacity of 2,000 beds, aiming to better accommodate patients and their families in the future.
This response highlights AIIMS’ efforts to balance patient care and management, addressing both humanitarian concerns and operational efficiency.
